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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (March 13, 2013)
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Page A-3 IV Boys and Girls Club basketball season ends By Tristan Stocker IVN Contributing Writer The Illinois Valley Boys and Girls Club basketball team has already had one of its best seasons ever. Previous to this season, the team was on a five-year losing streak, not having won a single game in all five seasons; however, equipped with new Head Coach Tom McLanahan, the second- and third-grade boys have earned themselves a 5-2 record. With one last game of the season, an away game which is set to take place Wednesday, March 13 at Redwood Elementary School in Grants Pass, the boys hope to bring home one last victory before calling it quits. Despite the fact the basketball team consists of only boys, the Boys and Girls Club openly accepts girls to participate in all sports offered by the club. “Last year, we had a girl play flag football,” McLanahan said. One benefit of having the Boys and Girls Club in the Illinois Valley is that there are grants available to the kids. “A lot of times there’s a waiting list and fees, but all of these kids get to play and they play the sports for free,” McLanahan said. The Boys and Girls Club also offers opportunities for students to earn scholarships. This year, Illinois Valley Robert Lowden was named Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley. On Wednesday, April 3, Lowden will advance to compete at the state Youth of the Year competition in Portland. State winners receive a $1,000 scholarship and advance to compete at the regional level, wherein five winners will win $10,000 scholarships. The regional champions then advance to compete nationally, wherein the winner will be awarded up to an additional $50,000 in scholarships and be recognized by the President of the United States. The Illinois Valley branch of the Boys and Girls Club meets at Evergreen Elementary School on regular school days. Parents interested in membership for their children should visit the school between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Lady Cougars softball team to start season By Tristan Stocker IVN Contributing Writer Another season of softball is just around the curve for the young athletes of Illinois Valley High School. Returning with a record of 4-15 from last year, Head Coach Rick Dees has hope that the girls can do a little better. “We’ve got higher numbers this year, but we’re still a fairly young team,” Dees said. “We’ve got only one senior, five or six juniors CHE AP! CHE AP! CHE AP! Usually refers to a product that is sub-par, inferior or not good. Dos Gringo’s is not cheap. We are affordable, original and, most of all, we are good! and the rest are sophomores and freshmen.” The girls struggled throughout most of last year, but towards the end of the season they managed to beat Cascade Christian, the number one ranked team in the league. They also took down Lakeview, which was another highly ranked team at the time. “The kids played and I watched them get better,” Dees said. “They accumulated skill throughout the season, but when they started playing well, we didn’t have enough wins to make it to the playoffs.” Dees feels that the girls can do well this year if they can find a solid pitcher. “For us to be successful this year we’ll have to field and bat well because we don’t have a pitcher,” Dees said. “We’ve got a couple girls working on it though.” Last season’s pitcher, Thea Barker, has since graduated and earned herself a softball scholarship to play and study at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Coach Dees, a long-time Illinois Valley resident, has been playing and coaching softball since the 70s. When asked why he chose softball, he replied, “I didn’t choose it, it chose me. Dickie Johnson from Cave Junction formed a Cave Junction team in the 70s and we went to play in Grants Pass.” Dees has also umpired a lot of softball and has been coaching basketball even longer. The Lady Cougar softball team just recently started practices and their first game is slated for Thursday, March 14, in Ashland. Thank-You The Illinois Valley Family Coalition would like to thank the community members who attended the 7th annual fund raising dinner event held in January. Also, a very big thank-you goes out to the following contributors: ENTERTAINERS New IV String Band Monet Talty Judah Robinson Victoria Prince Jennie May Donnell Andrea King Maelagh Baker Tim Wallace Michelle LeComte Dawna Crocker Levi Johnson Alan Chau 541-592-2200 131 N. Redwood Hwy MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS BOARD MEMBERS Great Cats World Park AND HELPERS Out-n-About College Dreams Students Mill Casino, North Bend Alyce & Doug Kendall Wildlife Safari, Winston John Meengs Chateau at the Oregon Caves Michael Yanase Daves Outdoor Power Equipment Cathy Taylor Randy Hieller Lynn & Bryan Mavity 7 Feathers Casino Resort, Canyonville Connie & Mark Dillinger Doreen & Marvin Stephens Hazel Griffith Hampton’s Rock Shop Gail Stone Spirit Mountain Casino Resort, Grand Ronde Yanase Jewelers Stacy Yanase Ruth Wendover Monet Talty Connie & Mark Dillinger Roger Brandt Cathy Taylor Karen Yanase Jeff & Carol Ronan Donna Thompson Patty Reeges Jean Shubert Wild River Brewery Nathan Williams Draper Valley Vineyard Christine Paul Bridgeview Winery Foris Vineyard Calendar Arts Red Garter St Patrick’s Fun Show Where the Valley comes to play with Annwyn and George Friday March. 15, @ 5:30pm Taylor’s Karaoke - Dancing Country Store Live Music Saturday March 16, 6 pm Dale Hopper Pool Tourney Every Saturday Cash Prizes Sportsman Every Wed Open Mic Night From 6-8 p.m. with Jim Nolan Tavern Kate’s Redwood Bar and Grill Eat @ Winter hours Tuesday to Saturday Noon to 8 pm McGrew’s Stop in and see Mamie and Kate Today! of Course!
